GULF AS A CHANNEL OF PEACE- IE
The idea that the Gulf countries might have some interest, let
alone a role, in South Asian security would sound quite
improbable
But there is no mistaking the significant activism of the Gulf
countries to help defuse the current tensions between India
and Pakistan.
In the past, many parts of the Gulf and Middle East tended
to act as Pakistan's strategic depth
Shared religious identity and common approach to regional
affairs gave Pakistan a political edge in the region

In recent years, Delhi has begun to correct that imbalance
Saudi Arabia and the UAE- Stronger economic and security
bonds with India
They could become potential allies in nudging Pakistan
towards political moderation and regional accommodation
The state of its economy and dependence on financial
bailouts from UAE and Saudi -Pakistan more amenable
This is not some thing new
The security of Indian Subcontinent and Gulf region have
always been inter-linked
The nature of interdependence varied over time and space

While CENTO did not survive, it provided basis for Pakistan's
external and internal security cooperation with a number of
countries in the Gulf region
Some like Jordan, Iran and Turkey backed Pakistan during its
wars with India in 1965 and 1971
As Arab nationalist regimes steadily weakened in relation to
the regional conservatives, India steadily lost political ground
1980s India remained silent on Soviet occupation of Afghan
istan and the Gulf regimes joined Pakistan in promoting jihad
against the Soviet Union
India's energy and economic dependence on the Gulf grew

More significantly, India seemed unable to navigate the rapidly
changing Middle East with its old slogans
1990s also saw Pakistan mobilise significant support within the
Middle East, including at the OIC and other international forums
Paradoxically, nuclear tests by India and Pakistan in 1998 and
the Kargil crisis in 1999, opened the possibilities for
restructuring South Asia's relations with the Gulf
More important, the US mobilised Saudi Arabia during Kargil
War to encourage Pak PM to accept the Indian demand to pull
Pakistan's army back to the Line of Control

After Kargil, govt brought new self-confidence
and intensity
Today the House of Saud is becoming a valuable partner for
Delhi in promoting regional security in the Subcontinent and
beyond